Okemo Expands Snowmaking with Operation Snowburst

LUDLOW, Vt. – Okemo Mountain Resort’s Operation Snowburst is returning for a second season of snowmaking improvements to include the addition of 100 new, energy-efficient tower guns.

Operation Snowburst Part 2 brings Okemo’s mountain-wide total of HKD tower guns to 1,125. Okemo also utilizes several hundred snowmaking guns of varying types, but it is the HKD SV series of guns that will be making a big impression on skiers and riders visiting Okemo, and specifically the Solitude area, this winter.

HKD’s variable flow snow guns raise the bar for low-energy snowmaking technology. The multi-chambered, modular tower gun utilizes a double valve configuration with advanced variable flow nozzle design. The rugged frost-free valve allows the operator to achieve four levels of water flow, making the tower gun capable of a smooth transition from low-flow, high-temperature performance to high-flow, low-temperature production without the need for changing nozzles.

“Last year’s $1 million investment in snowmaking was so successful, we decided to enhance our potential again,” said Okemo Mountain Resort Snowmaking Manager Ray Kennedy. “With the efficiencies these snow guns provide, we can provide our guests with a better skiing and riding experience early in the season and improve Okemo’s ability to recover more rapidly from unfavorable weather situations throughout the season.”

Last winter, Okemo deployed its snowmakers and activated Operation Snowburst starting on November 3. Ten days later, Okemo opened for the season – three days ahead of the target opening date. Okemo was able to open with top-to-bottom skiing and riding on five trails serviced by three lifts.

“Last winter’s earlier-than-planned opening day was due to the hard work of our mountain operations and snowmaking teams as well as Okemo’s commitment to snowmaking,” said Okemo VP and General Manager Bruce Schmidt.

Operation Snowburst Part 2 will mean more snow for Okemo Mountain Resort skiers and riders when they need it most. Okemo is targeting November 15 as opening day of the 2014/2015 season.

For more information, please call (802) 228-1600, or visit www.okemo.com.

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Rising above the village of Ludlow, in south-central Vermont, Okemo Mountain Resort is a four-season playground that built its reputation for quality and superior guest service as a winter retreat for skiers and snowboarders. Originally a small, community-run ski hill, Okemo began to blossom in 1982 when Tim and Diane Mueller purchased the ski area and transformed it into a popular, world-class resort destination. It consistently receives accolades and wins awards for snow quality, grooming, terrain parks, family programs, slopeside lodging, resort dining and its friendly, professional staff. In addition to an on-snow lineup of family fun, Okemo offers a variety of activities including ice-skating, snowshoeing, snow tubing, a pool and fitness center, spa services, and family events and activities. Two 18-hole championship golf courses highlight the warm-weather offerings. The Resort’s Adventure Zone includes an all-season mountain coaster, zipline tours, miniature golf, disc golf, trampoline bungee jumping, a climbing wall, the Amp Energy Big Air Bag, Segway Personal Transport tours, and, new this summer, a self-guided treetop challenge course. Okemo is the ideal hub from which to launch a New England adventure at any time of the year.